CHIROPRACTIC AND HORMONAL HEALTH

As a doctor of chiropractic (DC), in your work you help people overcome a variety of physical challenges to live healthier, more balanced lives. Some of the benefits of chiropractic treatment are well-known by patients and the general public, such as correcting spinal misalignment and aiding in injury recovery. 

But few know the advantages of chiropractic care to balance hormonal health.  

A commonly overlooked issue that can be treated by a DC is hormone imbalances. Having out-of-balance hormones can lead to a host of other issues and symptoms, making chiropractic treatment exceptionally valuable to those suffering from hormone-related issues. 

Improve hormonal health with chiropractic care

The signs of a hormonal imbalance can vary from person to person, making it an impactful condition difficult to diagnose. That said, the following are some of the most commonly reported symptoms:

• Changes in mood 
• Sudden or unexplainable changes in weight 
• Unusual hair growth or loss 
• Reproductive health changes 
• Trouble sleeping or changes in sleeping habits 
• Fatigue 

While these symptoms and the underlying hormonal health cause can be addressed in several ways, they all come with their unique set of risks. This is particularly true of hormone replacement therapy, prompting many patients to seek the alternative: natural treatment provided by a DC. 

As stated in a National Institutes of Health study, chiropractic therapy “works on the nervous system, stimulating it to release various chemicals and hormones” that can regulate blood pressure, calm the brain, reduce inflammation and balance hormones. 

Spinal adjustments and hormone health regulation

The endocrine system is in charge of the production and release of hormones. These hormones are essential to nearly every process that occurs in the body, making the endocrine system vital. When it is not functioning properly, the consequences can be diverse and severe. 

The spine is largely responsible for managing the endocrine system by transmitting messages from the glands via the nerves running through and in proximity to it. When misaligned, these messages can be interrupted or misinterpreted, causing the endocrine system to operate sub-optimally. 

One of the primary skills in a DC’s repertoire is the manipulation and realignment of the spine. Through these spinal adjustments, the endocrine system can once again communicate properly and work effectively. Spinal realignment can restore the function of your endocrine system, normalizing hormone levels and contributing to hormone health. 

Consistent chiropractic care is key

In certain cases, a patient might need only one session to receive the adjustment they need and correct the imbalances they are experiencing. For many, it can take multiple adjustments and consistent care to fix the problems at hand and ensure they do not return immediately. 

Some patients might even require routines dedicated to spinal alignment and health to see long-term results. As a DC, you should be prepared to not only help patients with hormonal imbalances in your office, but also to equip them for success in their lives beyond its walls. 

A healthy lifestyle makes a difference 

DCs are well–aware of the interconnectedness of the body, its systems and the various aspects of health. For example, stress can lead to muscular tension, which can cause spinal misalignment. The same is true of hormone health. 

Stress, subpar nutrition and other lifestyle factors can directly affect musculoskeletal health and hormone health. While your primary goal as a DC is to assist patients through chiropractic adjustment, you can also help them correct hormonal imbalances by educating them and encouraging them to live healthier lives. 

This comprehensive approach to health includes diet, exercise, stretching and stress management. With your guidance and assistance, patients who suffer from hormonal imbalances triggered by more than spinal misalignment can see positive outcomes both immediately and in the long term. 

Source: Chiropractic Economics magazine.